THE majority leader of the House of Representatives has filed a measure seeking to establish a mental health voucher system under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to expand access to mental health services for low- and middle-income Filipinos.
The proposed Mental Health Voucher Act, filed by House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, aims to help cover the cost of consultations, therapy, medication, and other services, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from seeking care.
‘Mental health care should not be a privilege available only to those who can pay for it out of pocket,’ Marcos, who represents Ilocos Norte, said in the bill’s explanatory note.
Marcos said the measure is intended to make mental health services more accessible and affordable, in line with President Marcos’ push to strengthen healthcare access and Speaker Faustino Dy III’s legislative agenda addressing the everyday needs of Filipino families.
He added that the measure envisions a system where students, parents, and workers dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression can seek professional help early.
House Bill 9327 proposes expanding PhilHealth’s mental health coverage through a voucher mechanism that would grant qualified members and their dependents pre-approved subsidies for services and medication.
The bill builds on Republic Act 11036, or the Mental Health Act, by introducing a direct financing system aimed at addressing gaps in access caused by high treatment costs.
Under the proposal, PhilHealth would issue non-transferable vouchers to beneficiaries diagnosed with mental health conditions by licensed physicians. These vouchers may be used only with accredited mental health providers.
Applicants must submit a mental health assessment certificate issued by a psychiatrist from a Department of Health-accredited government hospital, detailing the diagnosis, treatment plan, and prescribed medication.
PhilHealth would also be tasked with developing a simplified application process, including digital platforms, to facilitate access to the program.
Approved vouchers would specify the benefit package, covered services, and validity period, which would range from six to 12 months and could be renewed annually upon reassessment.
The bill outlines tiered benefit packages: a basic package for early-stage conditions, a standard package for moderate cases, and a comprehensive package for severe or chronic conditions. The basic package would include six to 10 psychiatric consultations annually, at least six therapy sessions, and monthly medication support. The standard package would expand coverage to up to 15 consultations, at least 12 therapy sessions, and access to diagnostics. The comprehensive package would provide more extensive consultations, at least 20 therapy sessions, and expanded support for medication and rehabilitation.
Marcos emphasized that mental health issues have far-reaching effects beyond individuals.
The measure also proposes the creation of a dedicated mental health fund pool within PhilHealth, to be sourced from its funds, annual appropriations, and other revenues such as sin taxes. PhilHealth would serve as the lead implementing agency, in coordination with the Department of Health and the National Mental Health Council, which would help set standards, accredit providers, and monitor the program’s implementation.